Orange's long-awaited $25 million sporting complex might be shifted from its planned north Orange base to the site of the Ex-Services' Country Club golf course on Forest Road.
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The golf course's future is in doubt as it is on Crown Land with the Orange Ex-Services' Club having been advised its lease might not be renewed when the current term expires in five years.
Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said the golf course site could be considered suitable for the sporting complex as it was a flat site of similar size to the north Orange site, which is on land owned by Orange City Council.
"It is only a possibility," he said.
Cr Kidd said costings and plans for the sporting complex were being done after the state government committed $25 million to it in this year's state budget.
He said he did not have a preferred site for the complex.
"My preference is very, very clear. Let's get it done," he said.
Cr Kidd said discussions with the government over Crown Land "are confidential at this time" and said no agreements had been reached.
"The council resolution is for the sporting complex on the land that was purchased on the Northern Distributor Road.
"We are awaiting formal advice from the government on the next steps [for the funding]."
"Therefore the next steps will be a formal discussion and resolutions from council."
He said there would be community consultation about the sporting complex.
Cr Kidd said that if there was a change of site the north Orange land would either be sold or used for other purposes.
The sporting complex will consist of a range of fields for various sports including a stadium for rugby league.
The heads of both major Orange clubs said they would prefer Wade Park to be re-developed.
Orange CYMS president Dave Penny said Wade Park's CBD location meant it had flow-on benefits for local businesses.
He said the golf course site would be handy being next to Orange hospital in case of injuries.
"It is a little bit closer to the CBD. I would prefer the Ex-Services site due to the infrastructure that's already there," he said.
Orange Hawks president Mark Johnston backed Wade Park. "My first preference would be to stay where we are at Wade Park," he said.
"The Country Club may be better than the Distributor Road [site]."
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
